The dangers of distracted driving

The dangers of distracted driving

Teens react to driving concerns

According to an article published by DriversEd.com, driving is a privilege and not a right. Driving has allowed people to travel longer distances more efficiently and in comfort. However traffic violators abuse their driving privilege, endangering motorists and pedestrians around them across the globe.

Distracting driving is problematic on the streets, putting people’s lives on the line. In 2015 alone 3,477 people died from distracted driving, according to nhtsa.gov. The Department of Motor Vehicles states that everyday nine people are killed and 1,000 people are injured in the United States alone. 88% of people on the road feel threatened when they see others on their phone as they drive, yet 67% continue to use their cell phones anyways.

Student at Fresno State and FC alumnus, Amrit Paul Singh Gill, ’17, is a three-year driving veteran and explains his thoughts about distracted driving.

“I do feel threatened,” Gill said. “When I see someone driving around me and see that they are on their phone or they are eating and driving, I start to drive cautiously around them yet I normally do use my phone when I’m driving to reply to texts, missed phone calls and to change my music. I know distracted driving is a really serious thing but once you’re in the vehicle it doesn’t seem like it is a big deal.

“I personally am trying to get better at not looking at my phone when driving what it is a really big temptation most of the time,” Gill continued. “I know I can turn off my phone and drive but I don’t want to do that because something serious might happen and I need to reply quickly. So I completely understand it’s a really big deal and all but I do think if you are on your phone for a quick second or just taking a quick bit then it should be fine. I do advise people to do this stuff on a red light so it’s safer then doing it while your vehicle is moving.”

Using a cellphone while driving can have serious consequences. The DMV states that in 2014 alone, 26% of the car accidents in the United States involved a cellphone. They state that texting while driving is especially dangerous as the action takes your eyes off the road and your hands off the steering wheel, therefore removing your focus from safe driving.

“Distracted driving has become a big issue with the advent of the smartphone,” Quesada said. “The ages I believe distracted driving effects the most is from 16 years old all the way up until your forties. With my kids, I will inform them of the laws and show them the visual consequences. In addition, I will provide them with the latest technology so that there will not be a need to handle a phone while driving.”

Drivers, especially teenagers who are just beginning to drive, should limit distractions while in their vehicles.

Besides using a phone, there are many other ways people might become distracted when they drive. Communicating with people in your vehicle, eating, drinking and trying to find a good song are all classified as distracted driving according to nhtsa.gov and can lead to crashes. If the driver is not 100% focused on driving and is doing other tasks that will lead them to look away from the road, it can cause a potential accident.

Angel Ruelas, ’20, is a non-driving student. Ruelas talks about the issue of distracting driving from a passenger’s view.

“I see it every time I’m on the road,” Ruelas said. “It’s so common that when I see it I just don’t even mind. You see people on their cell phone normally everyday you get on the road. As a passenger I can’t control the car so if someone that is texting and driving or doing whatever then I can’t do anything to prevent the crash. I do think if it’s really important then it’s okay, but only when your cars at a full stop or pull over to the side of the road.”

Geico.com offers some applicable tips to refrain from becoming a victim of distracted driving. Limiting the number of people in your vehicle and the level of activity can dramatically help the driver’s concentration. Distracted driving is a big issue in society today, so take the necessary precautions to stay safe on the road.

Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!

“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts”,- Winston Churchill. Growing up in a low-income family, Harjot Singh lived without basic supplies and understands the value of money. Today Singh is planning to become a leading neurosurgeon or to become a professional basketball player. Having understood the pain of millions living without basic supplies he plans to do something about it. Contributing over 100 hours of community service from helping hand out food to the homeless to construct small buildings, Singh plans on doubling this by next June. For his goals, Singh’s gone to hospitals to understand the life being in the medical field and become comfortable with it. Also working harder than ever in basketball and weightlifting, pushing his body above and beyond its limits to become an unstoppable force on the court.

Tips for Writing a Column

Know your audience: The Feather Online is created by and for high school students. It is a forum for teens to express what is important to them and their community. Consider age, interest, focus and reason to engage with this age group when writing a column.

First paragraph: The opening two sentences should express a reason and theme for the column. Use active sentences, including a focus on word choice and grammar. The hook needs to draw a reader’s attention to the topic or issue.

Also please limit the use of “I” in the column and write statements rather than overusing personal pronouns.

Body: Analyze the topic, issue and/or conflict. While the author should give the reader a reason for the ‘other side’, build the column with support, providing stronger reasons for the issue as the column concludes. Do not just raise an issue but also provide a call to action.

Conclusion: The final paragraph should not just be a summary of the column but offer a solution to an issue and/or a call to action.

Tips for column writing:

1) Write about interesting topics or angles that draw a reader into the column.

2) Provide anecdotes and/or analogies which support a point, humanizing the story and/or issue.

3) Consider issues and conflicts students and adults share. Show how they affect the reader and results of the issue. Make opinion relatable. A good rule of thumb is offer three main discussion points that are supported with verifiable facts.

4) Research the facts about the issue and provide at least three links for readers to click on to confirm main points. Make sure facts are represented in the column. Links should be to recognized outside sources but often can/will be from The Feather Online.

5) Be clear as to who the expert is and name them in the column. Provide a link to them as well.

6) Do not plagiarize

7) Write with passion and conviction. No one wants to read a lukewarm piece. However, never attack a person, leader or school. Write about the issue not a personal rant. Sometimes understating can also be as powerful but be careful not to exaggerate or go overboard. Allow room for readers to respond.

8) Column length will vary but consider 300-500 words as appropriate.

9) Author should submit a personal photo so The Feather Online can further highlight him/her and personalize the published work.

10) Author should add a two-line caption of themselves stating their name, their high school and graduation year, current career or college they attend.